CV Help - (Writing a CV) Common CV error - number four. Too long

 Common CV error - number four.

 

One of the most common CV errors is to add too much content into your CV.  A CV should ideally be two pages long and contain all of the relevant information in an easily accessible format.

 

There are lots of things that really do not merit inclusion, a few of which are: heading it as “Curriculum Vitae” (most recruiters will recognize it as one without this pointless heading, “Marital Status” (not required), “Age” (not required and additionally, invites potentially negative comments).

 

It is also a common CV mistake to include lots of unsubstantiated personal statements including: “committed team player”, “great communicator”, “target driven”, “inspirational leader”. At best they sound empty, at worst they make the writer sound shallow and conceited.

 

“Target driven”, when linked to evidence can be a powerful and meaningful statement, such as “achieved 130% of annual sales target during 2009”.


No recruiter wants to know what your “O” level results were from 30 years ago, the details of every aspect of your first job 25 years ago or other distant information that has no relevance.

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